When Shafali Verma lifted the inaugural ICC U-19 Women's World Cup trophy on Sunday in Potchefstroom, South Africa, she was overcome with emotion.
It was the first time an Indian women's team had won an ICC trophy when Soumya Tiwari punched Hannah Baker through the covers to help India defeat England by seven wickets while chasing just 69 runs. This demonstrates the impressive growth of women's cricket in India.
It brought back painful memories for 19-year-old Shafali of India's defeat to Australia in the T20 World Cup final in Melbourne three years ago. Shafali is an experienced international cricketer.
𝗖.𝗛.𝗔.𝗠.𝗣.𝗜.𝗢.𝗡.𝗦! Meet the winners of the first #U19T20WorldCupINDIA #TeamIndia https://t.co/ljtScy6MXb — BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) 1675001140000 "The final in 2020 was a very emotional moment for me." When I joined the U-19 team, all I could think about was winning the World Cup. This batch will be missed by me. They have given me the perfect present for my birthday," Shafali, who turned 19 one day prior to the final, told the media.
Hopefully, this victory will serve as a springboard for the development of women's cricket at the grassroots level.
A special message from Lucknow to the India team that won the ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup: "Yes, women's cricket has reached that point where young girls will have women cricketers as role models before naming men cricketers," Shafali said in response to a question from TOI.
I frequently criticized Shafali Verma for taking careless shots and exiting the game; not living up to her talent https://t.co/LuCLPh7MJN — Rizwan Khan (@Common_Bharatiy) 1675010254000 "The BCCI has invested a significant amount of money in women's cricket. It is now our responsibility to win more tournaments. The number of women's cricket tournaments will increase. We are aware that doing so will require significant effort on our part. However, we must perform at the same level as men's cricket," she added.
This U-19 team was supposed to be led by Shafali and Richa Ghosh, who have both played in senior World Cups. Instead, as Shafali mentioned, the foundation for this historic event was laid by players like hard-hitting batter Shweta Sehrawat, leg-spinner Parshavi Chopra, and medium-pacer Titas Sadhu.
On Sunday, Titas set the tone by taking a wicket off the fourth ball of the match and ending her spell with 2/6 figures. Archana Devi and Parshavi provided results of 2/13 and 2/17, respectively.
Cricket for women in India is improving! The winning of the U19T20 World Cup follows the announcement of the WPL. Congratulations... https://t.co/CpiZMmJRc4 — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 1675011503000 The Indian girls were also impressive on the field, such as when Archana Devi stunner at extra-cover to dismiss Ryana MacDonald-Gay or when Gingadi Trisha caught diving forward to dismiss England captain Grace Scrivens at long off.
This U-19 World Cup was an opportunity for Shafali and coach Nooshin Al Khadeer to settle scores, despite the fact that it has served as a stepping stone for young female athletes. Nooshin had also lost a World Cup final for India here in 2005, but Shafali made amends for the T20 final three years earlier. That was the first World Cup final that an Indian women's team had reached.
Congratulations from #TeamIndia to #TeamIndia! We are beyond happy for you! "I will take this confidence forward to the senior T20 World Cup here this month," BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) 1675006373000 During the U-19 World Cup, I was not thinking about the senior World Cup. "But when I join the senior team here on February 3, I will be switched on," Shafali asserted, claiming that she is not finished winning world titles.
The influence of Neeraj Chopra India's javelin star Neeraj Chopra contributed significantly to Sunday's victory. On the eve of the final, the gold medalist from the Tokyo Olympics visited the girls. In addition, he attended the game at the stadium. We are all aware of his contributions to the nation. He inspired us. Shafali said, "He shared his experience competing in a big final."
From the stands, I enjoyed watching this moment. Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) 1675007162000: "Congratulations Team India @BCCIWomen for making history #INDvENG... https://t.co/mQxOZy6eLO"